Willie (Billy) Herman Kasper, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 19, 2017 in Austin, Texas at the age of 80.
Billy, a loving husband, father and grandfather is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Scott and husband, Steven Scott; son, Willie Herman Kasper, III; daughter Sarah Gentry and husband Jason Gentry; nine grandchildren, Trey Scott, Matthew Scott, Samantha Scott, Dylan Kasper, Jessica Kasper, Preston Kasper, Madalyn Kasper, Brooke Gentry, Wesley Gentry; ex-wife Bobbie Kasper; sisters Frances Dube and Pearl Maples; nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Joyce Kasper and daughter Jowayne Kasper.
Billy was born on June 3, 1937 in Austin, Texas. He attended elementary school in Banquete, Texas. He graduated in 1955 from Buda High School. Billy enjoyed boxing and playing football. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1955 with a couple of his friends. His home port was Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. He took great pride in advancing through the ranks, making E6 drawing E7 pay as an EM 1st Class Electrician Mate on the USS Stark County, USS 1134 and was honorably discharged in 1959. Billy married the love of his life in 1957. Billy enjoyed visiting with family and friends, especially Jeanie, Hardie and Danny Wolter from South Texas. Billy struggled with mental illness over half of his life, making it difficult at times. He had a strong Catholic faith and a happy-go-lucky personality. He was a very generous man, he would give the shirt off his back to anyone. Billy had a passion for music and enjoyed playing his guitar. He was intelligent, his mind was always working, being the analytical thinker that he was. Billy was a fighter in so many ways.
A special heartfelt thank you to Nurse, Mary Gilmore, and the staff at Hospice Austin, Hospice Austin’s Christopher House and Monte Siesta Nursing and Rehabilitation. A private burial will be held for family.
